BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Morgan Junction McDonald’s sets reopening date

(WSB photo, added Thursday)

The overhauled McDonald’s in Morgan Junction has looked ready to open for weeks, and we’ve been getting a lot of reader questions about its status. We’ve had an inquiry out to its owner to find out when it will open – and just got a reply. “The newly remodeled West Seattle McDonald’s will be re-opening for business on December 12!” announced owner Alia Abboud. For starters, she says, “Please note that the store will open from 7 am to 8 pm and will be Drive-Thru only to allow the employees to learn the new side-by-side drive-thru and get fully comfortable with the new operations and communications system. As we move forward, we will extend our hours as we gain staffing levels to provide the best possible service to our community, to include opening the lobby for dine-in customers. We are very excited to once again be open to serve our many wonderful customers in the West Seattle neighborhood!” The restaurant closed for the overhaul almost eight months ago.

PSPS December 6, 2023 (10:17 pm)

The side-by-side drive-thru kiosks can be problematic depending on how it’s configured. Since the solitary pay/pick-up remains after the ordering, I’ve never understood how it speeds things up, but I’m sure McDonald’s has studied it thoroughly. Maybe it helps if you’re behind an uber-eat thing that’s placing a dozen different orders.

The one on Rainier Avenue cones off one of the lanes overnight (they’re open 24-hours) so it’s just the usual one ordering lane. The one on 4th (also open 24-hours) has two in a row spaced a car length apart instead of side-by-side which seems to me to move faster.

In any case, it will be nice to have this one open again! Alia also owns the one by WSHS and they stuck with the single ordering kiosk on that cramped lot when they did their big remodel and it moves right along.

Simple steps December 7, 2023 (6:44 am)

You’re not “waiting “as long for the person in front of you to decide what they want. – Just an illusion
Rob December 7, 2023 (7:40 am)

Just think about all the construction workers who earned a paycheck from McDonald’s corporation doing these remodels . Thank you for the work.
Alki resident December 7, 2023 (2:53 pm)

You use the zipper merge method. It’s fast and efficient. There’s one in Burien.

Jeepney December 7, 2023 (5:05 am)

This is my reminder to watch “Supersize Me” and “Fast Food Nation” again. We need more healthy food options.

Eddie December 7, 2023 (8:41 am)

Proud to say it’s been nearly 30 years since I spent money at McDonalds.
Derp December 7, 2023 (11:10 am)

There are plenty of options, I think there is one in the same block. Thriftway…
Rhonda December 7, 2023 (12:43 pm)

1) There are plenty of healthy food options at McDonald’s.2) Most of the food sold 100 yards away at Thriftway isn’t any healthier than McDonald’s food, and much of it is far worse.
- Derp December 7, 2023 (1:28 pm)
  
  You buy your own food and make it at home. How is that not healthier the McD’s.
- Anne December 7, 2023 (3:15 pm)
  
  That is a ridiculous statement-but maybe you meant it to be.
- shotinthefoot December 7, 2023 (3:22 pm)
  
  1) not true. everything at McD’s is processed to the point of not even being food, super high in sodium and most of it doesn’t even go bad because its so filled with preservatives and 2) also false, demonstrably so – and what a truly weird thing to say. A sandwich made in the deli with fresh ingredients, a salad, meat/veg you take and cook at home – all healthier and actually food. How weird to simp for a fast food restaurant.

Jl December 7, 2023 (7:31 am)

It looks awesome from the outside CRISPY FRIES 🍟

alkiannie December 7, 2023 (2:02 pm)

If you’d like to support a local spot with awesome crispy fries, while you wait for McDonald’s, I recommend Wildwood Market by the Fauntleroy ferry terminal. You get a huge amount for like $3 and they are crunchy and awesome.
- West Seattle Mad Sci Guy December 7, 2023 (5:00 pm)
  
  I really wish you hadn’t pointed out they have fries. They look pretty good too.

anonyme December 7, 2023 (9:00 am)

Yet another example of the continuation of car-centric culture. That, and the transition to kiosks which not only lengthen the ordering time but increase the likelihood of skimming or other identity theft. It seems like the more we rely on technology for everything, the stupider and more inefficient we become – all while eliminating jobs. But that’s OK, McD’s – I learned to live without you a very long time ago, and am better off for it.

Bob December 7, 2023 (10:49 am)

Kiosks have been shown to reduce ordering time by roughly 40%. Additionally, humanity has been incrementally increasing its generational IQ roughly 3 points every decade. Also, the skimming risk at a kiosk ordering system is very low, as they operate very differently than something like a gas station payment system. Lastly, employees were moved to alternate locations of the business, rather than being laid off due to kiosk implementation. Most of your arguments are not backed by data or reality and are just made up.

in terms of car-centric culture, that’s fair. I guess McDonald’s, the brick and mortar restaurant, has the sole option of voluntarily closing down entirely.
Tyler December 7, 2023 (11:36 am)

Would you rather go back to when they had 1 ordering lane and cars would routinely be backed up over the sidewalk and into the street? Seems like a no brainer to improve efficiency of getting customers through.
FedUp December 7, 2023 (1:24 pm)

Kiosks are more secure than handing your card to a cashier (who could theoretically skim your card with a handheld device). Also, most modern phones and kiosks support Tap-to-Pay systems like the built-in Apple Pay and Google Pay. Even physical cards now have RFID so you can just tap it. The transaction is totally encrypted and uses a one-time randomly generated number- not even the retailer will ever know your real card number. You should never insert, hand over or swipe your card unless you have absolute trust in the system and the individuals running it. Most point of sale machines everywhere you go now support tap to pay. If you’re unsure whether a payment terminal supports this method look for the Apple/Google symbol printed on it or the 4 curved lines like a radio wave symbol.
Before the remodel, if you told the McDonalds cashier you were using tap-to-pay, they would put the terminal by your window.
K December 8, 2023 (3:27 pm)

Sometimes you need a car-centric option. I’ve been very thankful for a drive-thru when I’ve had a sleeping baby in the car, been sick, had folks with me with injuries or mobility problems, in a hurry between appointments, lots of reasons. Thankful this option will be back for these occasions!

The Earl December 7, 2023 (10:22 am)

Good for you .you don’t like McDonald’s.

Jeepney December 7, 2023 (12:04 pm)

Literally not liking McDonald’s is good for a person.
- SlimJim December 8, 2023 (8:51 am)
  
  And pointing it out in a post about a McDonald’s reopening is just freaking obnoxious. How do you sleep at night with the shine coming off your halo?

James December 7, 2023 (2:05 pm)

I just love the sociable, cheerful commentary & discourse that are provided in this “Responses” section. And for the McDonald’s remodel & business owner Alia Abboud— I appreciate you, and love the re-do. I’m looking forward to the opening, for a quick breakfast bite, sometime soon.

jsparra December 7, 2023 (2:27 pm)

I’m McCited!!!!!

Mark December 7, 2023 (3:24 pm)

I see what you did, nice!

Lucy December 7, 2023 (2:40 pm)

If you don’t like McDonalds, don’t go to McDonalds. But, some people do, so leave them to their own choices.

Brian December 7, 2023 (3:22 pm)

Not a lot of people know about this chain so I’m glad to see them getting more exposure.

SlimJim December 8, 2023 (2:44 pm)

Yeah, we shouldn’t talk about them. Let’s never mention Amazon, Whole Foods, Target ocommenter. business larger than a breadbox. Maybe you can send us a list of businesses small enough to be worthy of your attention and. That would be super useful for WSB and its commenters.

DRW December 7, 2023 (4:44 pm)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5p_uiDb8-c

jsparra December 7, 2023 (7:33 pm)

“It’s my kinda place…”

Bernadette December 7, 2023 (9:41 pm)

The McDonald’s in Westwood Village had the same thing done. They’re closed for remodeling on October 1,2022. The remodeling was completed by January 1,2023 and they opened on April 1,2023. There were inspectors there almost every day. Hang in there for your McD fix.

Sorry, comment time is over.